All this talk about cast shadows!

Posted on February 05 2019

Well Punxsutawney Phil is at it again, and this year he didn't see his shadow for once! An early spring is upon us, which is exciting news. We may want to keep our coats by the door just in case, though, because you never know!

Whether you're looking forward to sunshine and barbecues, or still enjoying the skiing and hockey season, we thought you might enjoy some plaques depicting springtime merriment and beauty.

Below is a piece we just added to our site,Awakening of Spring. A youth on the right, who we think may be the Greek god Pan, is playing two horns, ushering in the springtime. A putto (or cherub) dances on the left holding a garland. One detail we love about this piece is the pairs of butterflies at the top and bottom. Each butterfly mirrors the one next to it in profile, almost becoming a single butterfly.

Pictured below isDancing Spring, which depicts another celebratory scene of springtime, a joy for mortals and immortals alike! On the left is a putto shown in much the same stance as the putto mentioned above. On the right playing a lute is perhaps a goddess or personification of Spring.

And we would be remiss if we didn't mentionSpring from Bertel Thorvaldsen'sFour Seasons. Below we show the full-size plaque, though we also offer areduction.

Spring - The Four Seasons - Item #37

30 Inches High x 30 Inches Wide

Also known as Childhood, this piece is part of the Four Seasons 30 inch diameter set. Eugène Plon described the scene as follows: "A young girl, nude, half seated upon a bank, takes flowers from a boy and weaves them into a garland. On her left, a tambourine leans against a basket covered with wreaths. A little child, entirely naked, stretches out his hand to offer a bouquet."